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Youth of color are more at risk than whites for pregnancy and HIV in Rhode Island. Young African American women are four times as likely to experience pregnancy as whites, and young Latinas are six times as likely. African Americans in Rhode Island account for 27 percent of AIDS cases even though they make up only 6 percent of the population, while Hispanics/Latinos account for 22 percent of AIDS cases even though they make up only 11 percent of the population. These groups are also the most likely to be living in poverty in Rhode Island.
Sex Education Policy
Rhode Island requires comprehensive sexuality education for students. Programs must stress abstinence, but no requirements for discussion of condoms and contraception are set. See the Rhode Island statutes governing sex education: 16-22-17 , and 16-22-18
Health Outcomes
Among the states, Rhode Island has better than average rates for teen pregnancy and STIs, and a lower AIDS rate than most states.
Sexual Health Stats at a Glance
|
Teen Pregnancy Rate* |
Teen Birth Rate* |
Annual rate of AIDS Diagnoses (per 100,000 people) |
STI Rate+ |
% of high school students who did not use a condom at last sex |
| Rhode Island |
62 |
26.8 |
9.6 |
27.6 |
39 |
| National |
70 |
39.1 |
11.2 |
100.8 |
39 |
*Per 1000 young women ages 15-19
+Because of concern over recent changes in Chlamydia reporting and relative low incidence of syphilis, we used the state's gonorrhea rate as a stand-in for sexually transmitted infection rates.
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